Bridgewater Gardens

Hoddesdon

Set against a backdrop of two storey suburban houses, this former industrial site was an opportunity to do something a little different. Its 'gateway' location at the crossing of the New River and proximity to the railway station enabled a denser, taller development to be proposed with a higher quality landscape setting. As such the design delivers a new sense of place and identity and contributes to the wider neighbourhood.

By accommodating the on-site parking provision within a half basement below the buildings the scheme has opened up the central space into an amenity for residents and immediate neighbourhood creating routes and views through from Rye Road to Salisbury Road.

Rock Townsend's emphasis on the quality of habitable and communal space resulted in large open entrances and flat layouts which feel light and open.